GROUND COVER PARTNERS IN GRAIN
14
NETWORKING
Ethanol
options
continue
to fuel
interest
THE FLEXIBLE NATURE OF THE
PARTNERS IN GRAIN PROJECT
ALLOWS EACH STATE TO DELIVER
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN A
WAY THAT MEETS THE NEEDS
OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND WOMEN
IN THEIR REGION
as parT oF her search for an alternative grain market,
Western australian farmer Debby clarke wanted to
attend the ethanol conference, run by BBi Biofuels
australia, held in melbourne in april 2007. To support
her travel to the first three days of this four-day
conference, Debby approached the Wa reference group
of partners in grain.
The conference presented a diverse spread of
information on topics from growing feedstock and actual
ethanol production through to information for financiers
and those interested in investing in infrastructure. other
presentations included ethanol vehicle and locomotive
technology, and information on the secondary generation
technologies that extract sugars from lignin.
While biodiesel offers an alternative fuel market for
canola, ethanol can be produced from sugar, sorghum,
wheat and barley – sugar and sorghum are reputed to be
the more efficient.
Debby learnt that one tonne of her wheat could
be converted into 396 litres of ethanol. The process
requires 1800 litres of water of which 65 per cent can be
recycled. For every unit of energy used in production,
1.38 units of ethanol are produced.
it is said that even a small percentage replacement
of fossil fuels by ethanol in australia would have
environmental benefits. Despite this, australia has yet
to commit to any specific ethanol consumption, with
the target of 350 million litres of ethanol by 2010 being
only a suggestion. some agricultural sectors, such as
the feedlot industry, have been lobbying against ethanol
production.
presenters at the conference illustrated the
SPONSORSHIP
Get-together motivates
young farmers
TARGETING ACTIVITIES FOR SPECIFIC
AUDIENCES PROVES TO BE POPULAR
IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA. PARTNERS IN
GRAIN WAS INVOLVED WITH A SPECIAL
DAY FOR YOUNG FARMERS
“i enJoYeD The day, and learnt more being
away from my parents,” was just one of the positive
comments by a young farmer who attended a day of
networking, learning and sharing in esperance at a
gathering sponsored by partners in grain (ping) and
organised by the Young Farmers group of the
Western australian Farmers Federation.
run in early august, when on-farm tasks
are less demanding, the day attracted about 50
young farmers – young being farmers under the
age of 40.
The day comprised topical and technical
presentations plus a few added extras. For
example, the lunch break was not just the chance
to tuck into the free BBQ but also an opportunity
to have a ‘mini pit-stop’ health check and to talk
to an audiologist.
in the participant feedback, one of the
highlights was the presentation by local farmer
David campbell on ‘how he made it’ and
his advice, born of his experience, for future
generations on the steps to building a successful
farm business. There was also considerable
interest in a presentation on the history and
future of wheat breeding.
in the afternoon, a trip was organised to the
Bureau of meteorology and the esperance port.
Both visits gave a behind-the-scenes view of these
crucial operations and the opportunity for farmers to
quiz specialists about weather forecasting, climate
change, grain handling and marketing.
many participants commented that an after-lunch
tour helped to keep the group talking. networking
was a central element in the day’s activities, which
culminated with an evening meal.
The organisers held an open feedback session and
were pleased with the positive and candid comments
about presenters and the day as a whole. one thing
the organisers say they learnt was the benefit in future
of an ‘ice breaker’ at the start of the event to help
stimulate the networking earlier in the day.
all participants are looking forward to a similar
event in 2008.
More information: Julianne Hill, WA coordinator, Partners in Grain,
08 9838 1997, jrhill@agric.wa.gov.au
Learning from their
peers, such as farmer
David Campbell, was
popular with those
who attended a day
for young farmers in
the Esperance region.